Smith started his career with Wellington and made a try-scoring Test debut for the All Blacks in a 59-10 victory against Italy in Rome in 2004. He plays Super 14 rugby for the Hurricanes, where he plays alongside his sometime international centre partner Ma'a Nonu.

Snakey, as he is known due to his movement on the pitch, has received more than his fair share of injury setbacks in his career. In 2006 he broke his leg but he came back from that making the World Cup squad the following year scoring three tries in only three appearances in the tournament.

Since making his debut in 2004 Smith has played on two Grand Slam tours of the northern hemisphere - in 2005 and 2008.

Since then, Smith has become first choice outside centre for the All Blacks alongside Nonu. Smith has enjoyed much of the All Blacks recent success - the Grand Slam winning tour to Europe in 2010 and their Tri-Nations triumph later in the year. However, despite the challenge of Sonny Bill Williams, Smith kept his place in the side and going into the 2011 World Cup looks set to play a massive role for the All Blacks.

Smith was one of New Zealand's most consistent performers during the tournament and played a significant role in securing the All Blacks' first World Cup since 1987.